Step-by-Step Guide On How To Paint A Laminate Bookcase?

You probably own a laminate bookcase and the new interior of your home made it stand out like a sore thumb and needs to be removed or replaced. Instead of removing or replacing it, why not give it a new look by changing its paint color? Regardless of the reason, you may give your laminate bookcase a new coat of paint when you want to.

However, it is impossible just to paint it over because it is laminate. Luckily, this step-by-step guide can teach you how to paint a laminate bookcase without much trouble. Make sure never to miss a single step to achieve a refreshing new look for your laminate bookcase.

8 Simple Steps To Paint A Laminate Bookcase Easily?

Step-1: Prepare All the Materials That You Will Need

Preparing all the materials and tools, you will need before starting your work can save you time. Also, you can avoid going back and forth to get the material or tool that you need to use. Your safety is of utmost importance, so don’t miss out on anything on the list below.

You need to prepare the following:

1. Safety goggles
2. Rubber gloves
3. Pieces of old newspaper or if you have a tarp
4. Ammonia
5. Respirator
6. A gallon of water
7. Rags
8. Bucket
9. Tack cloth
10. Putty knife
11. Filler
12. 220-grit sandpaper
13. 120-grit sandpaper
14. 2-inch-wide paintbrush (synthetic blend)
15. Wooden paint stick
16. Synthetic-blend paintbrush
17. Latex paint (your choice of color and finish)
18. Shellac-based primer

Step-2: Line Up The Old Newspaper Or Tarp On The Floor

You need to do this in a well-ventilated space so you can work with ease. After spreading the newspaper or tarp, you can transfer the bookcase to the covered spot.

Wear your safety goggles, rubber gloves, and a respirator that can provide you with protection against acid gasses and organic vapor. You need to wear these things before doing the next steps. Always prioritize our safety in everything you do. If you can’t handle chemicals, you can ask someone to help you out.

Step-3: Mix Ammonia With Water

Get a gallon of water. Add 3 cups of ammonia to the pail of water and stir to mix. Don’t remove your protective gear while you are working.

Get your rag and soak it in the diluted mixture. Use the wet rag to wipe down the bookcase that you are going to paint. The ammonia solution will take out any grease, grime, and dirt on the surface of the bookcase.

After wiping the entire bookcase, let it dry at room temperature. You may take this time to take a break and leave the room so you can remove your protective gear.

Step-4: Fill, Cover, And Sand

If the bookcase has an indention, make sure to fill it. Use a putty knife to spread the wood filler to cover the nail holes and screws. Use a rag to remove the unnecessary filler from the surface. Allow the filler to dry. The level of humidity and the ambient temperature can affect the drying time. You may need to wait longer before the filler dries up.

When the filler has dried completely, use the 120-grit sandpaper to sand the surface of the bookcase. Do it lightly – just enough to create a rough surface and not tear up the laminate. Get the tack cloth and use it to wipe the dirt left from the sanding.

Step-5: Apply The Primer

Before you apply the shellac-based primer, you need to check first the ambient temperature. It should not be more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s a need to make sure that the humidity level is equal to or less than 70 percent. Disregarding the suggested ambient temperature and humidity level may result in poor adhesion.

Once you have acquired the right ambient temperature and humidity level, you can now apply the primer using the synthetic-blend brush. You are free to use a primer in a spray can. Apply the primer evenly and use only one direction or stroke to achieve even coverage.

Step-6: Let The Primer Dry Before Sanding

It usually takes 45 minutes for the primer to dry before you can apply the second coating. Once you applied the second coating, you need to let it sit for three days to cure. After the curing process, you need to use 220-grit sandpaper to sand the surface of your bookcase. You need to do it lightly and make sure that the surface is sanded enough to prevent the paint from bubbling.

Use the tack cloth to wipe away the dirt that the sanding has left behind. You can now begin applying the paint to the bookcase.

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Step-7: Stir The Latex Paint

The most suitable latex paint finish is semi-gloss, satin, or eggshell. The paint comes in different colors, and you decide on the paint color and make certain that it suits well with the place where you will put the newly painted bookcase. It is not advisable to use a matte finish when working on your bookcase. The matte finish is prone to stains and difficult to clean.

There are also glossy finishes, but they are commonly reserved for cabinets and trims. Some manufacturers do not have glossy finishes. This makes this type of finish more difficult to find.

Before you start applying the paint, you need to use a wooden stick to stir it. You must stir the paint for at least two minutes to make it smooth.

Step-8: Apply The Latex Paint

Even though a machine already shook it when you bought the paint, you still need to stir it before you use it. Get your 2-inch-wide paint brush and dip it into the paint and apply the paint to the bookcase. The long, even stroke can help you get a bookcase with uniform coverage and color.

You need to allow the paint to dry for at least two hours before applying a second coat. In some cases, a single coat of paint is enough to get the bookcase that you want.